Head coach Luke Walton is familiar with Bogut, having coached him while the two were a part of the 2015 NBA champion Golden State Warriors, and will value having a respected rim-protector standing in the back of his defense. Walton will now have four legitimate centers and three power-forwards to rotate along with playing certain small forwards at the four in small-ball scenarios.

The added height in the Lakers line-up should give the team more of a shot-blocking presence than they have had in recent years. The Lakers were 28th out of 30 teams last season in protecting the rim, with only 3.9 blocks per game.

Since Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario is only about a 20 minute drive from the Ball family’s hometown of Chino Hills, California. The energy for this preseason game could be unlike any other place in the league.